What I Wish I Had Known as a New Cyclist

Posted by on Aug 19, 2009 in Blog, Cycling For Beginners, Cycling Skills | 10 comments

Most of us started cycling a while ago and have learned a lot over the years. There are more and more people coming to this sport everyday though and I thought it would be cool if we could provide some examples of things we’ve picked up that the newbie might not know but should know. I’ll start.

  1. What’s the current technology is. When I bought my first bike 15 years ago I really wish I knew what the current technology was on road bikes. If I had I probably would have bought a bike with STI (shifters combined with brake levers) instead of downtube shifting.

  2. How much the sport of cycling can cost. It can cost as much as you want to spend on it but for the newbie they may not realize how much of an investment their making beyond the initial cost of a bike. Stuff like maintenance, clothing, and expandables (tubes, tires) is stuff they may not be thinking about.

  3. How to not have your butt hurt. Too many new people to cycling start off by riding too much too soon and invariably end up quitting or becoming disgruntled because their nether regions become sore beyond belief. If they’re taught to take it slow and easy at the start to get their body accustomed to time in the saddle they’ll be much happier.

Those are just a few ideas. Let’s hear what you have to say whether it’s more on one of the items above or something new.

At least 50% Off Men's Cycling Clothing at RealCyclist.com - HURRY - Best Gear Going Fast!
  • http://gtinla.wordpress.com Gerhard

    My two pieces of advice:

    1. Do NOT spend money on an entry level bike, because if you ride with any regularity you will regret your 'relatively' cheap investment very soon. Look for your first bike in the recreational/enthusiast category and shop for 'last years model' with the top components at the best price.

    2. Shop for your LBS's – if you don't like the way you are treated or how your questions are addressed, chances are, you won't like the follow up service either. When you buy a good ride, you make an investment into years of riding and some things will need the help of your LBS. You would want to know that they stand behind their product and service and you should be able to trust that promise. (LBS = Local Bike Shop). Don't ever buy your first bike on-line or super retail store (i.e. WalMart, Sears, etc)

  • http://roadtobikeacrosskansas.com Jackie

    I am just getting back into cycling "for real" and I really didn't realize how expensive this new hobby of mine was going to be ~ I'm quickly realizing it though lol.

    I also agree that you should shop around for the best bike shop for you ~ just because everyone knows the "best" bike shop in town, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best one for you. You should always feel good when coming out of the bike shop ~ that's what I think at least. :)

    There are definitely some bike shops in my town where I left feeling like a big idiot and not happy at all ~ there are others where I always leave with a smile ~ even if I've dropped a lot of money. :)

  • http://lifeandbikes.blogspot.com/ LifeandBikes

    All great examples. For me, I would add investing in good clothing. Quality shorts and bibs make riding much easier and pain free.

  • http://mildstallion.wordpress.com Al

    Kind of an esoteric point, but strengthen your lower back. That has done more to take care of hand/finger numbness than anything else.

  • http://bikenoob.wordpress.com Ray

    I wish I’d understood how important a good bike fitting is, and how necessary. That would also go a long way to easing the butt problem.

  • http://www.sinebotchen.blogspot.com Sine Botchen

    >>how expensive this new hobby

    Yes! And it goes beyond the initial investment too. Plan on spending $$ on jerseys, gloves, shorts, shoes on a yearly basis. Drivetrain overhaul on my mountain bike costs around $300 a year for cassette, chain & bottom bracket.

  • http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

    All great comments. If you are still looking for a bike, I’d negotiate with the bike shop that you’re looking to buy from that a bike fit be included with the cost of the bike. I believe Gerhard mentions this on his site and it’s great advice. It shouldn’t be a “wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am” five minute fitting either.

  • Dave B

    Great question Brian! My first year, I bonked a lot. I didn’t realize that there was a difference between training and riding. People who actually train realize that more isn’t always better for the body.
    Training = stress, then rest. Going hard everyday is a recipe for disaster. Active recovery days and at least 1 full day off each week are needed for the body to heal. It’s only after healing (rest) that we can move on to the next block of hard work and elevate our performance.

  • http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

    Thanks Dave and you’re right. Going through the century training plan as I train for my first century has taught me the importance of having a plan and that the plan have rest/recovery in it. I was one of those that tried to go all out every ride and I was just hurting myself. Now I understand.

  • Pingback: Latest cycling new news – What I Wish I Had Known as a New Cyclist | Biking To Live | Cycling, Tips, News, User Articles

  • http://roadtobikeacrosskansas.com/ Jackie

    I am just getting back into cycling “for real” and I really didn't realize how expensive this new hobby of mine was going to be ~ I'm quickly realizing it though lol.

    I also agree that you should shop around for the best bike shop for you ~ just because everyone knows the “best” bike shop in town, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best one for you. You should always feel good when coming out of the bike shop ~ that's what I think at least. :)

    There are definitely some bike shops in my town where I left feeling like a big idiot and not happy at all ~ there are others where I always leave with a smile ~ even if I've dropped a lot of money. :)

Web Statistics